The best of both worlds: a BMW for speed and comfort

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In the 1930s, the face of Germany was undergoing a radical change, not just in the obvious political sense but in a more literal way. Lines appeared across her fields and through her forests as broad, straight and smooth concrete superhighways were rolled out between the major towns. The age of the Autobahn was just beginning.

The Autobahnen promised a future of high-speed travel, as if by way of a pact with Germany’s car-makers, which were devising ever-faster conveyances. Their crowning glory appeared in 1936, when BMW introduced the 328, a two-seat sports car with asingle-cam 1971cc six, cleverly engineered to give the advantages of twin overhead camshafts but without the cost and complexity, which would go on to win the Mille Miglia.

Alas, the 328 offered little to the family of four. For them, BMW shortened the 326 floorpan and presented the 327 cabriolet in 1937, which was joined by a coupé version the next year. Thoughtfully, BMW made an offer to the would-be sporting motorist who was constrained by the need for extra space and full weather protection: would Sir like a 328 engine in his 327?

The 327/38 was everything the enthusiast could have asked for: a fast-paced touring saloon with comfortable interior and stylishly streamlined exterior. Capable of 80mph in standard tune, and considerably more when breathed on, some would call it the perfect pre-war grand tourer. Delwyn Mallett drives a particularly well-developed example for the June issue of The Automobile, on sale now.

Words by Zack Stiling; Photographs by Rob Cooper
 

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